Repurpose your Empty esmi Bottles
DIY home decor or skincare on the run? Maybe you’re the person who cuts up their veggies for dinner and chucks the scraps straight in the bin. Maybe you’re the person who cuts up their veggies for dinner and chucks the scraps into the compost to pop out into the garden. Or perhaps you’re the one we all aspire to be, the person who cuts up their veggies for dinner and proceeds to re-use the offcuts to make your own veggie stock, flu-fighting remedy, roast veggie skin chips AND feeds their garden #goals No matter where you sit in these categories - we all know by now how important it is to do our part in the re-use/recycle reality of where our world is headed. Have you ever thought, I wonder what I could do with my empty esmi bottles? (maybe you haven’t, but we’re sure you are now!) Well, we’re here to give you some ideas! We’ve seen some great ways and also come up with a few of our own on how you can repurpose your skincare bottles. Plus when they’re that pretty to look at… why would you want to chuck them in the bin?! So let’s jump straight in! Plant babies! That’s right. All of you green thumbs out there will now have another cute little way to pop some greenery around your window sills, bookshelves and bathroom vanity. #vibes Use an offcut from one of your over-performing devil’s ivy to pop in with some water and place into an old skin treat bottle! Or get yourself some miniature succulents like the ones pictured above. This is a good one for those of us whose thumbs are less green in colour! #whydomyplantsalwaysdie Skincare in the air! So maybe you’re not much for plants around the house…. But maybe you’re all for a good holiday? Let’s say you’ve planned your next overseas (#postpandemic) trip and you couldn’t possibly imagine having to go without your beloved skincare. We hear you! And boy do we have THE travel skincare hack for you! Traveling on a plane means you have a limit on the volume of liquids you can pack in your luggage. Most of our products are actually within this allocated volume. But our booster masks aren’t! I’m sure if you’ve used one of our booster masks before, you’ll agree they quickly become an essential part of your skin care routine, especially when on holiday’s and wanting to indulge in some #treatyoself #selfcaretime Did you know that once you’ve used that last drop of serum, you can actually re-purpose your empty skin serum bottles (the ones with the glass dropper) by filling them with a mask or even a cleanser? Plus the great Marie Kondo would also be in the background applauding you on your impressive space-saving abilities, so really, it’s a win on all fronts. To do this, all you need to do is use the dropper from the empty serum bottle to remove the product from your mask or cleanser container and squeeze it into your empty bottle! Fill to whatever level you desire, give it a little shake and you’re good to go! Not sure what we mean? Head over to our Instagram Highlight called ‘Fun Facts’ and watch the step-by-step video on how best to do this, so you’re well prepared next time you’re off and away! Go, you environmental warrior! How else could you re-purpose your bottles? We’re always on the look out for great ways to do this so please be sure to comment below or reach out to us on Instagram with how you’ve found a continued purpose for our beautiful bottles in your life! And if you try anything we’ve mentioned above - be sure to send us a photo!
Delivering Care Packages with Ash Barty
We love our community and relish any opportunity to give back whenever we can! Someone who shares these values with us is brand ambassador Ash Barty, former women's world number one tennis player. We recently had the pleasure of partnering with Ash to provide self-care packs to some incredible COVID nurses. They work so tirelessly to provide lifesaving care and put themselves on the front line to protect us. Surprising them with everything they need for a moment of self-care was the least we can do to show our gratitude. The packs included a mix of cleansers, Booster Face Masks, and of course, the hero Probiotic Skin Mylck. Wearing protective masks every day, while incredibly important, can wreak havoc on the skin. Using probiotic skincare restores the skin barrier to prevent sensitivity, dryness, and mask-ne. The packs also included a beautiful note and video from Ash, thanking the nurses for their hard work in caring for the community. Kind words from an Aussie hero to other Aussie heroes! With Ash’s help, we were able to gift packs to over 400 nurses working in COVID wards across the GCGU, Royal Melbourne and Western Health. Providing self-care gift packs to those working so hard gives them permission to take the time to look after themselves. We strongly believe in the power of taking a moment (or two!) to look after yourself. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup! Giving back is at the heart of our values here at Makeup Cartel, and is something we will continue to do. Our customers and community allow us to do what we love - provide you with skincare that makes you feel incredible. This is our way of saying thank you. Read more about how we give back here.
Baby Give Back: Every Baby Deserves An Equal Start
Every baby deserves an equal start. It’s the mission that drives the amazing volunteers at Baby Give Back. The team provides life changing support for families in crisis who are unable to afford baby essentials for their children. More than 300 volunteers work tirelessly to collect donations of quality baby essentials, providing them to struggling families via social service agencies who are qualified to assess a family's needs. “We are changing the lives of children. Changing the trajectory for disadvantaged families. We are the village when they need it most.” Items range from nappies and wipes, through to prams, cots and car seats and everything in between. Everything that leaves their warehouse is thoroughly cleaned, safety checked, in good condition and beautifully packaged for their new family. Baby Give Back is one of the smaller not-for-profit organisations tackling the big cause of helping give vulnerable babies their best start in life. “The challenges we face to sustain and grow our service often seem huge and sometimes insurmountable, yet our village always comes together.” Their team relies heavily on public events to raise donations and help them get urgently needed baby items to families in financial crisis. Right now, demand keeps growing month on month. Donations are needed more than ever. To that end, their main fundraising event for 2020, Baby Give Back High Tea, was planned for November. The esmi Skin Minerals team was excited to get behind the high tea as an event sponsor to help raise much needed funds to give every baby a safe and equal start to life. Due to COVID restrictions, the event has been cancelled. As a smaller not-for-profit, this has had a big knock on effect to crucial funding for Baby Give Back. We wanted to support this amazing cause and do what we could to buffer the loss of the cancellation. We upheld our $15,000 donation to Baby Give Back and also offered ticket holders a $100 esmi voucher instead of people asking for a refund of their $75 ticket. How can you help? If you have any *gently loved* baby items you no longer need or would like to make a financial donation, please visit Baby Give Back and help their team support some of Australia’s most vulnerable families.
Top Tips For A Fun Pamper Night In
Hosting a pamper night in with your besties is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and get glowing with an A+ skin pampering session. A self-care date with your favourite people is the chance to slow down, catch up, and check in on how everyone is doing. All while wrapped in a fluffy robe and decadent face mask. Sound good? Read on for our best tips for hosting a fun pamper night in to treat your skin and raise your happy vibes! Tennis champ Ash Barty shares her skin routine and her family Aussie Tennis superstar Ash Barty is our much loved esmi Skin Minerals brand ambassador. We chatted to Ash to get the lowdown on her skin, favourite esmi products and why pamper sessions with her mum and sisters are everything. Tell us Ash, what are your main skin concerns? My biggest challenge has always been dehydration and dryness, after spending many years training, travelling and playing tennis, it has been difficult to keep my skin hydrated. How important is your skincare regime to actively treat these concerns? My skincare regime has become a bit of a home comfort for me and is a routine I keep no matter where I am in the world. Esmi has made it easy for me to care for my skin morning and night, every day of the year. What changes did you see in your skin once you started using esmi products? My skin became a lot clearer, I did not have as many breakouts and after big days of practice, I was able to cleanse my skin and replenish it properly. My skin has never been so hydrated! We’d love to know - what are your favourite esmi products and why? My favourite esmi products would have to be the Uncomplicated Cleanser with Charcoal and also the Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask. These two products are the perfect mix for me - allowing me to cleanse my skin and then give it some extra love with the hydrating booster mask. We hear you love organising regular self-care pamper sessions with family and friends? My sisters and my Mum love any excuse to have a pamper session!! We try to catch up once a fortnight at least to relax, chat about the kids and enjoy each other’s company. This time at home has given me more opportunities than I would usually get to spend quality time with them which has been so nice. It’s awesome to have you as an esmi ambasador; what do you value about your partnership with esmi Skin Minerals? I’m extremely grateful to have the support of such a brilliant company. We are both home grown in Queensland and many of our values align. I love being around such positive people and working with clean, natural and safe products that are able to bring smiles to faces around not just Australia, but also the world. With Christmas just around the corner, will esmi skincare make the gift list for family and friends? Most definitely! I always try to support Australian businesses. Many of my friends have recently tried esmi for the first time and the Mini sets are absolutely perfect for someone travelling or trying new products. Definitely a go-to for Christmas stockings. Our tips for a fun pamper and self-care night in with your besties Invite 2 or 3 of your loved ones Keep your invite list in check - pamper nights work beautifully with smaller groups. Everyone can take their time at each self-care zone (more on those below!) and have the chance to chat properly with each other. BYO robes, slippers, and hair wrap Does anything say self-care me time like fluffy robes? Ask everyone to bring a robe, slippers, and hair wrap to create a relaxed spa vibe! Snack platters with healthy and decadent options Have platters on offer with a mix of different snacks. Think fruit, fresh veggie sticks and dips, and dark chocolate for healthy options and as well as a few more decadent treats like gourmet cheese, dips, and cupcakes. A fun, refreshing bar Want to serve alcoholic drinks? Bellinis are a perfect (and easy!) option but make sure you’ve got delicious non-alcoholic beverages on offer too. Gorgeous skin is all about hydration so mix up a few jugs of water infused with fruit - combinations of berries, citrus, melon, mint, and ginger and all tasty options. Adding a few calming herbal tea options is a nice touch too. Choose a ‘finale’ night for your Pamper Night In Is your girl crew fans of the Bachelor or another series? Schedule your self-care session for the final night of the season. Watching the last episode together wrapped in robes, face masks, and sipping Bellinis is too fun! Set up different Self-care zones Create different areas for pampering like a mani and pedi station, face masking, hair treatment, and chill zone. You want to keep them in the same general vicinity but separating areas means everyone isn’t crowding the bathroom sink at once. Prepare warm, beautifully scented hand towels Nothing says spa-decadence like fresh, warm, hand towels. Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of water and soak each hand towel. Squeeze the water out and roll the towels. After guests arrive, pop them in the microwave to warm up for 10 seconds and release the aroma of the essential oil. Hand them around while they’re still warm! We love lavender essential oil to calm and citrus blends to energise. Turn up the self-care mood Playing music, burning gorgeously scented candles, a few vases of fresh flowers, and fairy lights will help create a luxurious atmosphere. A few simple touches are all you need. Top Products for Self-Care Night In Our esmi picks have got you covered for the perfect self-care night in! Headband An essential accessory for your cosy self-care night! It will keep flyaway hairs and your fringe away from your face while you cleanse, mask and treat your skin. Essential x 10 if you’ve just straightened your hair! The Uncomplicated Cleanser with Cleansing Mitt Every at-home facial starts with a beautiful clean base. We recommend The Uncomplicated Cleanser to set the tone for the rest of your skin pampering session. Perfect for all skin types and concerns, the cleanser balances skin and won’t leave it dry or tight, just clean, calm, and supple. Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask Wake up dull skin with this mask’s powerful detoxifying charcoal / clay combination to refine and purify for soft, bright skin. Works wonders on tired, lacklustre skin and suits all skin types, even sensitive skin. Use an esmi Mask Applicator Brush for extra indulgence! Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Perfect for all skin types and ages, this serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin with a radiant and hydrated glow. 24K Gold Nourishing Oil This luxurious 24-karat gold leaf face oil nourishes for a visibly firmer, more youthful complexion - boosts skin elasticity, stimulates collagen production and improves blood circulation. Get everything you need for the ultimate Pamper Night In with one of our Skin Care Bundles.
Best Foods to Eat to Improve Your Skin
What are the best foods for skin? You’re in the right place to find out! Read on to learn more about what to eat for healthy skin. How your diet affects your skin What you eat can have a dramatic influence on the health of your skin. Certain foods can help protect against premature ageing by inhibiting free radical activity, promoting a hydrated skin barrier, and encouraging cell regeneration. Other foods - especially refined sugar - do the opposite and accelerate skin damage and ageing. So, what to eat for healthy skin in general? Foods that are brimming with vitamins (antioxidant activity), minerals, and essential fatty acids. Vitamins The best foods for skin are packed with antioxidants. Heavy-hitting vitamins with potent antioxidant activity (vitamin A, C, and E) can help decrease the risk of sun and other environmental damage, including pollution, by neutralising free radical damage. They may also help improve skin texture and, depending on the vitamin, offer a host of other benefits. Essential fatty acids - omega 3 and omega 6 These two essential fatty acids are the building blocks of healthy skin cells and healthy cells translate to a happy complexion. Omega 3 and omega 6 also play a key role in maintaining the strength of the skin barrier which is essential for hydrated, smoother looking skin. Minerals Minerals like zinc, silica, and selenium play an important role in helping to keep the skin’s pH levels balanced, promoting the production of collagen, and helping protect the skin from oxidative damage. Best foods for skin If you want to eat the best food for skin, you’ve got plenty of tasty options to fill your plate! Salmon One of THE best foods you can stick a fork in for your skin is salmon. A fatty fish, salmon is packed with omega 3 fatty acids that help strengthen the skin barrier, encourage moisture retention, and serve as building blocks for healthy skin cells. The antioxidants in salmon also help calm inflammation in the body. Avocado Love a bowl of fresh, homemade guacamole? So does your skin. It’s one of the creamiest fruits good for skin. Brimming with vitamin A, D, and E plus good fats and phytonutrients, avocados deliver a range of nutritional benefits to help fight free radical damage and support supple skin. The linoleic acid in avocados helps moisturise your skin from the inside while lauric acid has antimicrobial properties. Almonds Increase your nutrition for healthy skin by snacking on almonds. One of the best foods for skin in the nut category, almonds contain high levels of Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that may slow the signs of ageing by minimising free radical activity. Broccoli This humble cruciferous veggie is harbouring skin saving superpowers. Broccoli can aid in supporting healthy collagen and supple skin thanks to its vitamin C content. Then there’s vitamin E, which helps guard skin cells against oxidative stress that can accelerate premature signs of ageing. Pumpkin seeds Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on your yoghurt or into your trail mix for a healthy hit of zinc. Known as a “trace mineral” zinc is incredibly beneficial for skin thanks to its ability to halt the formation of damaging free radicals and protect cells. Its anti-inflammatory properties can aid in the healing of inflammatory acne. Greek yoghurt Replete in vitamins B2, B5 and B12, Greek yoghurt can assist with maintaining the moisture balance of skin and helps in cellular regeneration. Any old yoghurt won’t do, make sure it’s Greek style to reap the full benefits for your skin. Olive oil One of the best foods for skin, olive oil offers skin regenerative benefits thanks to its levels of squalane. Polyphenols can also strengthen and improve skin texture while vitamin E can improve skin elasticity and moisturisation. Olive oil can also help your skin better absorb the nutrients of other foods. Bonus! Fermented foods This healthy bacteria in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso can support in minimising acne and early signs of ageing and promote a brighter, more even skin tone. Blueberries These skin beautifying berries are rich in antioxidants that can help protect skin against the damaging effects of free radical activity. Flaxseed A small but mighty food in the fight against premature lines and wrinkles, flaxseed contains Omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants to aid in the promotion of skin smoothness and hydration. Kale This leafy green is a skin health enhancer. Packed with vitamins C, K, and beta-carotene, kale can assist in maintaining collagen, skin healing, and increasing a healthy glow. Carrots Whether you grate them for coleslaw or blitz them in a juice, carrots are incredibly beneficial for skin. They contain vitamin C and beta-carotene which helps minimise skin inflammation and can speed up the healing process after skin trauma. Dark chocolate Do the best foods for skin get tastier than dark chocolate? We think not! Eating dark chocolate in moderation can provide your skin with vitamins and minerals - including copper, iron, and magnesium - that can assist in the production of collagen and help repair skin. Choose dark chocolate with at least 80% cacao content for maximum healthy skin food benefits. Sweet potato It's no secret vegetables are good for skin and sweet potato is one of the best root vegetables to support a healthy complexion. They possess high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and magnesium. Collectively they target free radical activity and can encourage healthy collagen production. Chia seeds Omega-3 fatty acids are the foundation of healthy skin cells and a strong skin barrier. Chia seeds are packed with Omega 3 - they’re one of the richest plant-based sources of this essential fatty acid. Sprinkle them on your salad, breakfast oats, or into a smoothie. Spinach Dark leafy greens in general are some of the best foods for good skin and spinach is no exception. Packed with zinc and antioxidant zeaxanthin, spinach can help reduce inflammation, aid in breakout prevention, and promote a more even skin tone. Foods To Avoid Or Only Eat Occasionally Refined sugar Sugar increases inflammation in the body which fuels the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin leading to an increased number of fine lines and wrinkles. Existing skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and eczema can also be exacerbated by refined sugar. Fast food and food high in trans fats Research has linked acne flare ups with a diet rich in calories, fat, and refined carbohydrates. Many processed foods high in fat - like burgers, fries, and pizza - are high-GI that raise blood sugar levels quickly and cause insulin levels to jump. Like refined sugar, this triggers inflammation in the body which has the potential to worsen existing skin conditions. Foods That Commonly Trigger Skin Issues While not all skin concerns are caused by - or can be entirely solved by - your diet, some types of foods are more likely to trigger inflammatory skin conditions. These foods aren’t ‘bad’ as such, but many people react badly to them when it comes to their skin. Studies have found a link between milk products and acne but to discover the impact dairy has on you, temporarily cut it from your diet and monitor your skin for changes. If you have rosacea, it’s best to steer clear of foods that may trigger flare ups including tomatoes, citrus, cinnamon, and chocolate. Warming spices, hot sauces, and alcohol are also common culprits of rosacea redness flares. If you are dealing with skin issues a change in diet may help but it’s not the entire picture. Take a holistic approach to include the right skincare, alternative therapies, or medication as needed. Before making any radical changes to your diet, we recommend consulting with a health professional. We hope these suggestions will be helpful to steer you towards making the right choice in food for better skin.
The Importance of Self-Care
#selfcaresunday. It’s all over our Instagram feeds and for good reason. Making self-care a priority allows us not just to function, but to flourish! Let’s look at why everyone needs a little more ‘me’ time in their lives and 13 ideas for easy self-care practices. Why self-care is so important Self-care is any activity you do to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health. Something that refuels or relaxes you. The idea of self-care is simple but it can have a profound effect on improving your thoughts, moods, and your relationship with yourself and others. It’s also very easy to overlook. When life gets crazy self-care can slide to the bottom of your priority list but it’s those busy times when it’s most important to take time out for you. A self-care plan can dial down stress levels, boost your immune system, and help you feel better inside and out. Prioritising self-care isn’t selfish. When we take care of our own emotional and physical wellbeing, we’re in a better place to take care of others too. As the saying goes; you can’t pour from an empty cup. When you think of #selfcaresunday, images of soaking in the tub with a glass of red and a magazine might spring to mind. However, self-care isn’t just things like bubble baths and manicures. You can practice internal self-care too, like not beating yourself up for a mistake, or forgiving yourself if you fail. It can also mean reaching out when you need help or to talk to someone instead of trying to handle something on your own. Or it could be simply cutting yourself some slack on days where you didn’t get through as much as you planned. Self-care and your skin Stress can show up on your face in all kinds of ways, from dry, flaky skin to under-eye circles. It can also trigger breakouts or cause existing skin issues like eczema and psoriasis to flare up. Making time for self-care lowers stress levels meaning your skin will reap the benefits! Why not turn your daily skincare routine into a self-care practice? Instead of rushing through the motions, slow down and pay attention to each step. Enjoy the texture and fragrance of the products and the way they feel on your skin. Listening to relaxing music or burning an aromatic candle while you go through your skincare routine will also boost the indulgence factor. Simple ideas to relax & recharge Feeling like your best self shouldn’t be a luxury you save only for special occasions. The best way to nurture your emotional and physical health consistently is to introduce small self-care activities into your daily and weekly schedule. We’ve put together simple examples of self-care strategies to inspire your inner and outer nurturing! Dial-in dinner Give yourself a night off - order dinner in. Enjoy the time you’d usually spend cooking and cleaning by taking a bath or reading instead. Sunday night facial Nothing says self-care like a luxe DIY facial so spend Sunday night pampering your skin. Make it easy with esmi ‘Build Your Own’ At Home Facial Kit. Gratitude journal A gratitude journal is an easy way to focus on the positive things going on in your life. Write down 5 things you’re feeling happy about and grateful for right now. Disconnect from social media Take a break from the social noise and don’t check your accounts for a day. Get your mask on No time for a full DIY facial? Focus on a face mask instead. Choose one suited to your skin type and take 10 minutes out to sip a coffee or a glass of wine while it gets to work! Buy yourself some flowers A gorgeous vase of flowers is an instant mood lifter - a bright, fragrant way to give yourself a boost. Declutter stuff What does decluttering have to do with self-care? A cluttered home can induce stress and anxiety. Spending 15 minutes decluttering can bring a sense of tranquillity to the space. Experiment with different makeup looks Break out of a makeup rut with a little ‘me’ time spent trying different looks. YouTube tutorials are your best friend! Embrace a tea ritual A tea ritual is a great way to press pause, be present and step out of the daily chaos. Pay attention to the smell, the taste, and temperature. Tea is brimming with antioxidants too - a major health bonus. Mini meditation You don’t need to spend hours sitting cross legged on the floor to reap the benefits of meditation - just a few minutes a day is enough. Try the Headspace app. Eat a mindful meal When was the last time you sat down to eat a meal without multi-tasking, looking at a screen or any other distractions? Mindful eating helps you appreciate food and flavours, prevents overeating and is a window of quiet time for yourself. Cloud watching Lie back and let yourself become hypnotised by those big, billowy clouds for 5 or 10 minutes. Schedule a sleep in When we get busy, sleep is often the first thing we give up which can have a detrimental effect on our mental and physical health - including your skin. Show yourself some love by planning a scheduled sleep in. No alarm in sight! Make your own self-care plan There is no one-size-fits-all approach, after all, self-care is about yourself! Experiment and find your own individual self-care list of activities that refresh you then schedule activities from your list into your day, week and month. It can be tempting to add to the millions of #selfcaresunday snaps on social media but put the phone down and forget about making self-care picture perfect. Just be present and soak up the moment. No filter required!
Makeup Cartel & Baby Give Back
Here at Makeup Cartel, we understand our fortunate position to be able to give back to our community, so we take the opportunity whenever we can! Baby Give Back provides invaluable support for families in crisis, who are unable to provide the essentials for their children, including families that have been hit by natural disasters and personal tragedies who need a helping hand. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure that vulnerable babies and children have an equal start to life.” Their team of 300+ volunteers collect donations of key items like nappies, cots, wipes, prams - everything we take for granted. Being a smaller organisation, every little bit goes directly to the families in need and the demand is growing each and every month. We have been working with the incredible team at Baby Give Back since 2019 and have supported them through a range of initiatives and fundraising events. Care Packs to Mums in Need We have been able to donate care packs full of esmi products to mums who cannot always afford skincare. While this may seem like a luxury, giving mothers in need necessities like body wash and sunscreen, as well as skincare, provides a sense of normalcy and an opportunity for a moment of self care. After all, we cannot pour from an empty cup! We have even had the honour of presenting care packs directly to mothers in need. Being able to hear their stories is always such a strong reminder of why we do what we do, if you are able to assist those around you, it is such a rewarding experience to do so. Natural Disaster Donations During previous flooding events, Makeup Cartel HQ became a donation hub, where locals could donate items that would be passed onto Baby Give Back. We’re so proud of our community who have always come out in force, donating nappies, wipes, children’s clothing, toys, books and everything in between. High Tea Sponsorships As part of their fundraising initiatives, Baby Give Back hosts annual high teas which we are honoured to sponsor. They are such enriching days where we are surrounded by incredibly inspiring members of the community, passionate about providing for children in need. We create gift bags for all attendees, many of whom are those Baby Give Back has directly assisted, packed with our luxe skincare. Social Media Support Our close relationship with Baby Give Back means they are able to alert us when stock of particular donations are low. That’s when we make the call out to the Makeup Cartel community who generously come together and donate in droves. It is moments like these that remind us how much we adore our customers - yes, that means you! We are so excited to continue to support Baby Give Back for many years to come. If you want to contribute to their incredible work, head to their donations page here.
10 Things You Can’t Live Without
What does this look like for you? Okay, we’ve all pondered it. You’re stuck on a deserted island. And can only have with you, a few essential items. No wifi. No laptop. No phone. No Instagram… wait… if I eat something and don’t share a photo of it, did it really even happen?! Okay, so we’re slightly exaggerating with that last one! But when you think of 20 things you couldn’t live without… What are they? Here’s our list - bearing in mind we are collating this with a #livingyourbestlife vibe, not a #winnerofsurvivor vibe. We might not NEED these to survive an apocalypse, but they’re definitely in this day and age version of ‘things we can’t live without’. 1. Skincare #bestfaceforward While water would be our number one SURVIVAL item for the ‘deserted island’ scenario, this list is more aligned with the ‘daily life’ scenario, so skincare is AT THE TOP! A solid skincare routine using products that will feed your skin the nutrients it needs are absolute ‘cannot live without’ items. Grab one of our skin treats and see for yourself! 2. Clean water + good food It doesn’t need to be water from a spring in the Swiss Alps or cuisine from the fanciest restaurant in town, but food and water will ALWAYS be a necessity! And even better if it looks super cute on your Insta feed right?! #gramgamestrong 3. Phone Whether it’s to call a loved one, communicate with your kids to know they're safe, check in on a friend or update your social media account. I think we’d all consider our phones to be a pretty important thing to have these days. And with the beauty of the internet in your pocket, you have endless possibilities of things to find, people to meet and community engagement to access. Let’s just all be mindful to use it for the benefit of others. 4. Coffeeee! Liquid gold. The good stuff. If you can live without, you go glen coco. Maybe you’re a tea drinker? Green Tea Matcha? Whatever your choice of beverage… who can imagine a life without them?! 5. Clothes We don’t know about you, but nothing worse than being caught on your daily commute to work, butt naked in the middle of the train right?! I mean, really this one is for the benefit of those around you. And with fashion forever evolving (or going back to the ’90s, YUSSS!) how fun that we can all dress in our own way. 6. The beach Now we’re getting into those things that just make life BETTER. How good is the feeling after a long day at work, or a day cooped up studying or with a house full of over-energetic kids, to just go and walk along the sand and to look out at the beautiful ocean around us? Bliss. 7. Books A book can be so powerful. Each one merely words set out on pages, bound together to form a book, but each with such a unique purpose. Some allow you to study and complete your degree. Some help advance and further your career. Some might teach you a new skill or guide you to learn a new way of life. Maybe it feeds your soul and teaches you about your religion. Or perhaps it is used to inspire you, as it journey’s through the life of somebody else. And our personal favourite, the books that entertain you with their multi-layered fictional characters and unfolding story. 8. Company Okay, so this is not a ‘thing’. But have you ever tried to live your life without ANYONE’S company? No human contact (as we’ve learnt throughout this pandemic) is certainly not the ideal. Even introverts who love their own space, would need at least small amounts of human contact and company. So it deserved a spot on our list. 9. Screens Again, we’re not talking about survival here. We’re talking about what are those everyday things that we can’t live without (anymore!) And although screens get a bad rap because they can be used too much, a balanced amount is healthy. Your laptop? Can allow you to work from wherever while looking after family or travelling around the country making memories. All the while being able to provide for your family. On the computer! This is where the next inventions in the tech world are created! Your living room TV can provide the family with the movie we all sit to watch together with a shared blanket and giant bowl of popcorn. And who doesn’t love sitting in a movie theatre with an oversized slushy and 2 hours of purposed chill out time?! 10. Music There have been studies done that show the physical and psychological benefits of what music does for living beings. Have you ever watched a movie or TV and show and imagine what it would be like without the music in the background? Weird! Imagine Christmas time without Christmas carols? Playing it in the car on the long road trip to visit the in-laws, having it on in the background of your dinner party, experiencing it live as people play the instruments in front of you or even jumping up and down at a concert! #groupie Most religions even use music as a form of worship, powerful. This is some of our things we can’t imagine life without. What are some of yours?
How to Feel Confident in Your Own Skin
Achieving real skin confidence is possible. Creating your healthiest skin means taking a holistic approach to nurturing your complexion and boosting your emotional skin positivity. From not comparing yourself to others, stressing less, eating well, and really getting to know your complexion, let’s take a look at how to feel confident in your own skin. Digital detox & de-stress You don’t have to spend very long scrolling through social feeds to spot the seemingly perfect skin and flawless bodies of influencers, friends, or total strangers. If you’re constantly comparing yourself to edited and staged posts on social media, it can take a toll on your confidence and distort your body image. Taking a break from social media, or limiting your time on it, gives your mind a break. You cut the comparison anxiety and can focus on feeling confident in your own skin. Stress, in general, takes its toll on your skin too. Ever noticed how you break out or skin conditions - like eczema - flare up when you’re stressed out? Stress causes your adrenal glands to release a surge of the hormone cortisol which can trigger skin issues - particularly acne. Managing stress by prioritising self-care will boost your wellbeing, leaving you feeling happier and more confident in your own skin. Focus on sleep hygiene Sleep - or lack of it - has a dramatic effect on your stress levels and skin. Commit to getting more quality rest by going to bed earlier, ending screen time at least an hour before bed, turning phones to flight mode, and sleeping in a dark bedroom. Taking a short nap during the day can also help manage stress levels. Essentially, the better your sleep schedule, the more confident you’ll look and feel. Do something that makes you happy Make time for an activity that boosts your endorphins and makes you smile. A healthy self-care routine allows you to take time out of your day, even if just for 5 minutes, to do something for yourself. We’ve put together some simple, everyday self-care ideas here. Appreciate yourself Press pause on the negative thoughts of your inner critic and take time to appreciate the good things about yourself. Write out a few of your recent accomplishments - no matter how small - or things you like about yourself. You could repeat some positive affirmations or speak a compliment out loud to yourself in the mirror, too. Smile! The simple act of smiling has been shown by studies to improve your mood, lower stress levels, and even boost your immune system. Smiling brightens up your face and makes you look better too. Possibly the quickest way to boost your confidence! Know your skin type to build the right routine Beauty is more than what we see in the mirror. It might be hard, though, to feel confident in your own skin when you’re self-conscious about issues like dryness, acne, and fine lines. A healthy complexion will boost your skin confidence. To nourish your complexion the right way you need to know the best skincare products to treat it. Without knowing what your skin really needs, you’ll invest in products that won’t deliver the best results. Your skin struggles will continue and instead of boosting your skin confidence, the anxiety about your skin will continue. Studies have revealed that skin conditions can lower self-confidence, induce anxiety, and even lead to depression. All good skincare routines begin with knowing what skin type you have. Normal Skin ‘Normal’ is the term used to refer to skin that has a well-balanced sebum and moisture production - it’s not too oily or too dry. Normal skin has refined pores and no visible blemishes, flaky areas or oily spots. Best ingredients for normal skin: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), ceramides, fatty acids. Recommended product: esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Dry Skin Dry skin is characterised by a lack of natural sebum - it produces less than other skin types. As a result, skin tends to be rough and flaky looking. It’s more susceptible to irritation and infection as a lack of moisture means the skin’s protective barrier is weak. Skin can be dull and lack elasticity. Best ingredients for dry skin: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, squalane, Vitamin C + E. Recommended product: esmi 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Oily skin Oily skin produces more sebum than normal and is prone to breakouts, blackheads, and acne. Pores are visibly larger and the skin is shiny. The good news about the oily skin type is it usually has fewer wrinkles. Best ingredients for oily skin: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), aloe vera, activated clay and charcoal, Vitamin C. Recommended product: esmi Anti Redness Minty Green Smoothie Combination skin Just like the name suggests, this skin type is a combination of different skin types. The characteristics of combination skin are an oily, shiny ‘t-zone’ with dry, flaking skin in the cheek area. Best ingredients for combination skin: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), Vitamin C + E, acai oil. Recommended product: esmi Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Sensitive skin Some of the signs you have sensitive skin include a tendency to flush and become red easily, dry patches, itchy skin, and sensitivity to changes in weather / temperature. Sensitive skin can often occur as a response to using the wrong type of skincare products. Best ingredients for sensitive skin: Lactic acid, provitamin B5, witch hazel, jojoba oil. Recommended product: esmi Hydrating And Nourishing Acai Duo When you know your skin type and how to heal specific issues, you can make more informed product decisions about the right skin treatment routine for you. Commitment to your routine is crucial. Some skin results may take longer to show but don’t give up. Your healthiest complexion and real skin confidence are on their way! Eat well for skin confidence We all know the saying - you are what you eat. When it comes to your skin, it’s advice is worth listening to. Diet plays a huge role in how your skin looks and filling your plate up with healthy, wholesome food will help you feel more confident in your own skin. Beta carotene Beta carotene is important for skin tone and skin cell development. Foods high in beta carotene include carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, peas, broccoli, apricots, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, red and yellow peppers, and parsley. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids These essential fatty acids have been shown to minimise UV-induced photodamage, extrinsic signs of skin ageing, and inflammatory skin issues. The following foods are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids; salmon, mackerel, oysters, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, seaweed, and edamame beans. Omega 6 fatty acids can be found in whole-grain bread, poultry, eggs, nuts, and pumpkin seeds. Selenium Selenium is a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown a selenium-rich diet can help fight free radical activity and may protect against UV related skin damage and inflammation. Good sources of selenium include brazil nuts, fish, shellfish, tomatoes, eggs, wheatgerm, and broccoli. When it comes to healthy, supple skin, hydration is key. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water each day for brighter, more energised looking skin. Including a regular green juice, like celery juice (great for skin!) in the mix will also step up your skin’s nourishment. If you want good skin, cut out or at least reduce the amount of sugar you eat too. Sugar is one of the biggest contributors to inflammation that shows up on your skin as dry patches itchy skin, acne and wrinkles. Cutting down on processed and high-fat foods will also help. Take these simple, actionable skin tips and see your skin confidence soar!
Why is Self-Care Important?
When it comes to creating a self-care routine, we can often be stuck on the pampering side of self-care — think long baths and extravagant pedicures. But, as the esmi Skin Specialists know, self-care can happen in the everyday and shouldn’t be a treat for when you feel most burnt out. But, why is self-care important? We know it can be easy to let self-care become your lowest priority and sometimes life can get the best of us. We can forget how important self-care is to nurture our physical and emotional health. Keeping this front of mind is essential for overall wellbeing, and With R U OK? Day approaching, the esmi team wants to share some of our favourite self-care suggestions so you can take some time out for you! Put your body first Self-care can be seen as indulgent and selfish, but esmi acknowledges that putting yourself first is essential for physical health. Putting your body first can differ for everybody! Some people love to cuddle up and relax, others might find that moving their body makes them feel best. You may also find you love a bit of both — yoga and matcha anyone? Whatever it is, figuring out what makes your body happy can be a game changer for your self-care routine. Skincare as self-care Once you have relaxed or pumped out a killer sweat sesh, taking care of your skin should be the next step! We may sound biased (and we are) but the stress and busyness of life can impact your skin by causing breakouts, dryness, under-eye circles or serious skin issues to flare up like eczema. Using skincare as self-care on a regular basis will help reduce and repair these skin reactions. So, why not incorporate skincare into a daily self-care ritual? Taking some time before work or after your nightly shower to slow down and apply your skincare intentionally is a great way to relax and one that the esmi team stands by. If you’re unsure what a self-care skin routine should look like try to incorporate products that are gentle on the skin, tailored to your skin type, and make you feel a little luxurious. Remember skincare should be an enjoyable experience and one that allows you to feel nurtured from the outside! Treat yourself or someone else! Self-care for your body and skin is important, but what about the small joys in life? Treating yourself to a colourful lipstick, some beautiful flowers, or a delicious coffee is a great way to add a bit of joy throughout the day. Surprising someone else with something special can also be a great way to make their day and boost your mood with some all-important serotonin. Now, we wouldn’t recommend this self-care tactic all time as it can get a little pricey, but when something is getting you down it isn’t a crime to simply treat yourself and others! Curate your space Clearing your space of clutter can be a game changer for your mental clarity. We’ve all been guilty of leaving a mess in the house due to a hectic week (especially the esmi team!) but taking time to clean and curate your space can positively affect your emotional wellbeing. You can even take it a step further and add self-care items to your clean space. Maybe a comfy robe, a relaxing essential oil or even a moisturising lip balm. Adding these items to your space can make you feel at ease and ready to love your calming self-care routine. Plan something to look forward to Looking forward to dinner with friends or an exciting holiday can make all the difference when managing any worries. Having something to look forward to can put current struggles into perspective and allow joy into your life when you need it most. Planning these events could even be a form of self-care! Creating a future for yourself that you know will spark happiness can do wonders for your day-to-day mental health and is something we encourage our esmi community to do regularly. Ask for help and accept it when offered All too often we perform our own self-care and neglect the help around us. But the truth is when we need the most self-care it can be wise to ask for help and actually accept it. It is also a great idea (when you’re feeling good) to ask others if they need help also and assist where you can! R U OK? Day is happening on September 8th and esmi stands by the organisation's purpose to encourage others to stay connected and converse with each other when times get tough. Support R U OK? Day here and learn how you can make a difference to someone who is struggling.
